Vintage matte-finish 8 x 10 composite photo featuring a traditional publicity portrait and image of Grapewin in full makeup as Wang’s Father in The Good Earth, signed and inscribed in fountain pen, “To Mrs. Dons Rander, Sincerely, Charley Grapewin, 6/5/38.” In fine condition. The film, based on Pearl S. Buck’s 1931 novel of the same name, was not just cinematically important—it was nominated for five Oscars, winning two—but historically important as well. Although producer Irving Thalberg envisioned making the film using an entirely Chinese cast, it was decided that American audiences were not ready for such a film, and Western actors took the main roles. These actors were disguised by makeup artist Jack Dawn using a newly developed technique, which is seen in this stunning Grapewin portrait. Grapewin and Dawn would appear in the credits of another MGM film two years later—The Wizard of Oz, in which Grapewin portrayed Uncle Henry, and for which Dawn developed some of the most memorable character make-ups in film history. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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